Alex Batty’s grandmother speaks of ‘relief’ as Oldham boy found six years after going missing

Alex Batty’s grandmother has spoken out after the boy was found safe and well six years after going missing.

Susan Caruana, Alex’s legal guardian, has said she feels ‘relief and happiness’ that her grandson has been found.

The now-17-year-old teenager was picked up by a stranger near Toulouse and taken to a police station, where French authorities confirmed his identity.

Alex, from Oldham, had left the UK in 2017 on a family holiday to Spain with his mother (who did not have parental guardianship) and his grandfather, but never came home as planned.

He had remained missing until this week.

Greater Manchester Police and The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will now work to bring Alex home safely.

Alex Batty’s grandmother Susan has said that she has spoken to him and ‘can’t wait to see him’.

In a statement issued through GMP, she said: “I cannot begin to express my relief and happiness that Alex has been found safe and well.

“I spoke with him last night and it was so good to hear his voice and see his face again. I can’t wait to see him when we’re reunited.

“The main thing is that he’s safe, after what would be an overwhelming experience for anyone, not least a child.

“I would ask that our family are given privacy as we welcome Alex back, so we can make this process as comforting as possible.”

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Featured image: GMP